Data loggers have revolutionised data acquisition in two ways;

1. By streamlining and automating data collection processes; and
   
   
2. Because they can collect critical data unattended, loggers accumulate valuable environmental information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Data loggers have surged in popularity over the last decade due to their accessible cost, ease of use, and increasingly practical designs. This combination of factors has resulted in an enormous variety of loggers capable of measuring a diverse range of parameters. To illustrate this diversity, Instrument Choice Scientists decided to share below the 12 most important parameters measured by Environmental Data Loggers. For good measure, they threw in some representative product examples as well.

Environmental Data Logger Parameters

1. Temperature

Temperature is the most logged environmental parameter with the greatest number of applications (which is why you can find over 375 temperature data loggers available at Instrument Choice)!

Temperature loggers vary from stand-alone sensors to WIFI-enabled loggers, multi-channel sensors and high-temperature loggers (to name a few).

Temperature Logger Applications:

• Storage and cold chain management
• Food and beverage production
• Fridge and freezer monitoring
• Facility management
• Quality assurance programs; and
• Cleanrooms and laboratories.

Temperature Logger Example: USB Temperature Data Logger, Battery Powered Product code: EL-USB-1 When discussing temperature loggers, we couldn’t overlook the most popular temperature logger for the past 14 years - the EL-USB-1.  This battery-powered logger enables users to record up to 16,382 temperature readings and easily transfer your recorded data via the USB port on a PC. Visit the EL-USB-1 Product Page

2. Humidity

Humidity measures water vapour content, the second most widely logged parameter. There are over 150 humidity loggers at the Instrument Choice store.

Applications:

Humidity is often monitored in:

• Offices
• Factories
• Storage facilities
• Greenhouses; and
• Museums.

Humidity Logger Example: Mx Temperature/relative Humidity Data Logger Product code: MX1101 Onset's HOBO MX1101 is a self-contained wireless data logger that measures and transmits relative humidity and temperature data wirelessly to mobile devices via Bluetooth Smart technology.  The device works with Onset's free HOBOmobile app for logger setup and data management. You can access data anytime using a mobile device over a 30-metre range.  View all the MX1101’s Features and Specifications

3. Light

A light level data logger is a highly sensitive piece of equipment designed to determine the amount of light falling on a surface (incident light) or reflected from a surface (reflective light).

Applications:

• OH&S in workplaces and offices
• Museums
• Monitoring public spaces
• Aquatic environments; and
• Construction, Engineering and Architecture.

Light Logger Example: SDL400 Light Meter/Datalogger Product code: IC-SDL400 The handheld SDL400 Light Meter/Datalogger includes a light sensor with a light spectrum that meets C.I.E requirements. Results are automatically logged in three ranges; 2,000, 20,000 and 100,000 LUX. The IC-SDL400 can store up to 99 manual readings and provides the option to log continuously to an SD card. Learn more about the IC-SDL400 here

4. Sound

Prolonged exposure to dangerous sound levels can be hazardous to health and impact a person's hearing over the long term. Sound level logging can mitigate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution.

Applications

• Environmental impact studies
• Compliance - ensuring safe working conditions; and
• Security - activity detection and logging.

Sound Logger Example: Sound Level Meter Data Logger with type 1 microphone Product code: IC-NSRT_mk3 The NSRT_mk3 is a sound level meter datalogger with a type 1 digital, dust-protected, MEMS microphone, an accurate date/time clock, and a non-volatile 128 Mb recording memory with rapid USB download.  Check out the professional-grade IC-NSRT_mk3

5. Soil Moisture

Soil moisture plays a significant role in the ultimate health of plants and crops. A soil moisture logger can help users identify trends, optimise water usage, plus develop farming strategies to boost plant growth and increase crop yields.

Applications:

You’ll find soil moisture loggers used in the following environments:

• Home gardens
• Education and research
• Landscaping
• Irrigation consulting; and
• Farming.

Soil Moisture Logger Example: Agribun Soil Temperature and Moisture Recorder-Alarm Product code: IC-Agribun The Agribun is a long-term “set-and-forget” option for monitoring both soil temperature and moisture. You can record soil moisture content and temperature levels in short intervals and upload data for access from a web-based application.  The web application sends out email and text message (SMS) notifications if any pre-defined temperature or moisture levels breach your adjustable, pre-defined limits.  Discover more about the IC-Agribun

6. Weather

Harsh outdoor conditions can impact the safety of construction sites, work quality, farm and other sector productivity. Collecting and viewing weather data can help provide insights into current weather events, predict future events, and build a record of the past data to support decision making into the future.

Applications

• Building sites
• Cranes and rigging
• Initial site assessments; and
• Farms and various agricultural applications.

Weather Logger Example: Wind Data Logger With Wind Speed/direction Sensor Product code: LeWL-PRO The LeWL-PRO is a popular logger on constructions sites. It’s a stand-alone wind speed logger that records wind speed data with a date and time-stamp. The file generated is entirely PC compatible - simply insert the memory card into a computer to access the data using your preferred spreadsheet application.  Learn how to log wind speed and direction with the LeWL-PRO

7. Gas

Gas Loggers record information about ambient gases, like Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.

Applications:

• Monitoring indoor air quality in homes and offices
• Monitoring air quality for indoor agriculture; and
• Assess ventilation adequacy.

Gas Logger Example: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Data Logger, USB, Battery Product code: IC-EL-USB-CO The EL-USB-CO is a USB data logger that measures and stores up to 32,510 Carbon Monoxide (CO) readings over a 0 to 1000 ppm measurement range. Start the logger and download collected data using the free computer software included.  Click here for the IC-EL-USB-CO product page

8. Soil Conductivity

Electrical conductivity influences numerous soil properties and provides a valuable insight into the availability of nutrients in the soil.

Applications:

• Home gardens
• Schools
• Research; and
• Various agricultural uses.

Soil Conductivity Logger Example: TDR Digital Soil Moisture Sensor Reader Product code: IC-RD1200 The IC-RD1200 is a specialised TDR digital soil moisture measurement sensor and reader that offers a simple approach to measuring volumetric water content, temperature, permittivity (the ability of a substance to store electrical energy in an electric field), conductivity, and the conductivity of pore water (the pressure of groundwater held within a soil or rock). View the professional IC-RD1200 product page

9. Water Conductivity

Conductivity is a useful measure of water quality. Conductivity levels within most water bodies should be reasonably constant, so any change in conductivity can indicate the presence of a pollutant.

Applications:

Conductivity loggers are ideal for use in:

• Streams
• Lakes; and
• Other water bodies to monitor for saltwater intrusion or agricultural runoff.

Water Conductivity Logger Example: Conductivity-Salinity Data Logger (For Fresh Water) Product code: U24-001 The HOBO U24 Conductivity Logger is a high-accuracy, cost-effective data logger for measuring conductivity and temperature in streams, lakes, and other freshwater sources.  Get all the U24-001’s features and specifications here.

10. Depth

Monitoring and logging the depth of streams, rivers, and other water sources provide valuable data for managing a resource and reducing the risk of water quality degradation.

Applications:

Monitoring water depth in fresh and saltwater environments, for example:

• Wells
• Streams
• Lakes
• Wetlands; and
• Tidal areas.

Depth Data Logger Example: HOBO Water Level Logger Product code: U20L-04 The HOBO U20L-004 is a low-cost, reliable, research-grade water level data logger for continuously measuring water level and temperature in a wide range of underwater environments. It features ±0.1% measurement accuracy, polypropylene housing suited for use in fresh and saltwater, and a non-vented design for convenient and hassle-free deployment.  View the U20L-04’s Features and Specifications

11. Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the number of free oxygen molecules in water. Dissolved oxygen monitoring and logging is an excellent indication of water quality.

Applications:

Monitoring water dissolved oxygen in various water bodies, such as:

• Streams
• Lakes
• Threatened aquatic ecosystems
• Wetlands; and
• Water bodies near hydropower plants.

Product Example: Apera DO8500 Portable Optical DO Meter Kit Product code: IC-DO8500 The Apera DO8500 Portable Optical DO features a logging capacity of up to 500 sets of time/date stamped data. The IC-DO8500 comes supplied with a DOE3 electrode (3m), Conductivity electrode, Calibration cap, USB cable, PC software, carry case and accessories. Learn more about the IC-DO8500 here

12. pH

The potential of hydrogen or 'pH' measures hydrogen ion concentration in a sample used to determine the acidity or alkalinity. The measurement of this parameter has a wide variety of industrial and environmental applications.

Applications:

• Laboratories
• Quality assurance
• Food safety; and
• Water bodies near hydropower plants

pH Logger Example: HOBO Bluetooth Low Energy pH and Temperature Data Logger Product code: IC-MX2501 The IC-MX2501 pH and Temperature logger is ideal for long-term pH monitoring in estuaries, lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans. It communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to the HOBOmobile app on your phone or tablet. Logger setup, calibration, and data offload are quick and easy. Discover more about the IC-MX2501 long-term pH logger here

The Final Word

The evolution of data loggers has helped simplify the data acquisition process while assisting users in collecting more valuable data with less effort. The enormous range of data logger types and features means you can be sure of finding your ideal device.

If you need a hand deciding on the best data logger for your application or have a question about any of the products we have listed above, feel free to speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist!

Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].